Comprehensive Care for Children with Immune Deficiencies

The Immune Deficiency and Histiocytosis Program within the Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency offers a unique combination of expert medical care, state-of-the-art testing capabilities and extensive research for children with immune deficiencies. Our team takes a comprehensive approach, working together to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatment and follow-up care.

The program director, Alexandra (Lisa) Filipovich, MD, is recognized internationally for her contributions to patient care and research in this very specialized area of medicine.

Thorough Evaluation, Detailed Treatment Plan

As part of our program, we provide initial diagnoses, second opinions, immunologic testing and genetic profiles as well as expert medical care.

Immune deficiencies affect every patient differently and may involve many parts of the body. For instance, some children may have gastrointestinal problems, and others may have abnormalities in their lungs or liver. By reviewing the information unique to each patient, our team is able to schedule appointments with other relevant subspecialists in conjunction with the first evaluation in the Immune Deficiency Clinic.

A major strength of our program is that we offer a full range of immunologic testing not normally available within an individual center. Tests are analyzed quickly, and additional studies may be performed, as needed, during the initial evaluation visit.

Since our specialists in immune deficiencies and histiocytoses are trained to manage each child’s care from diagnosis to cure, we are able to offer continuous, comprehensive treatment overseen by the same doctor. Patients also benefit from the coordinated expertise of other pediatric subspecialists within Cincinnati Children’s who work closely with the immune deficiency physician.

The initial comprehensive evaluation can last from one to four days and includes:

A thorough patient history and physical examination

Blood tests

Tests to assess how the disease is affecting the child’s body

Consultation with specialists in other fields of pediatric medicine

An appointment with a social worker, who helps families connect with helpful resources

After reviewing the test results, members of the care team talk at length with the family about the child’s health and treatment options. They also provide a written summary and treatment recommendations to the patient’s family and referring physician.

Physicians at Cincinnati Children’s, including Kimberly A. Risma, MD, PhD, a physician scientist in the Division of Allergy and Immunology, helped develop follow-up guidelines for a test to screen newborns against severe combined immune deficiency disease (SCID), which the state of Ohio has added to its list of mandatory infant screenings. Read More

Patient Story

When Hannah was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), her family came to Cincinnati Children’s for world-class care.